How To Pass a Pre-Employment Personality Test

Recruitment is a fast-changing process. Now, technology has become one of its vital components. In fact, a pre-employment personality test is computer-based. Despite the negative criticisms, particularly on the ethical implications of relying on a computer in profiling one’s personality, a number of multinational companies strongly rely on them. Recruitment practitioners even hint that they are going to stay for quite a while.

Some observers claim that a pre-employment personality test “has no right or wrong answer”. It is simply designed to determine applicants who would best suit the company. Obviously, if you are not “a match”, you are not a strong contender for the position. Simply put, you would not get hired. Well, to perform better in your next pre-employment personality tests, here are some tips, tricks, and warnings for you:

1. Change your perspective about the test. Realize that a number of pre-employment personality tests are awfully flawed. For one, a number of items in those tests don’t apply to the real world. Those who favored the computer-based pre-employment personality tests were basically convinced by the supposed savings to be generated by the process. Also, they cling on the promise that the overall quality of those they would be hiring is topnotch. Since these things are revealed to you, don’t get insulted if you “fail” the test. Maybe, you should simply tell yourself that since you “didn’t match”, the job isn’t really meant for you.

2. Know about the question types. A pre-employment personality test usually begins with “a no-brainer” question-type. This chiefly demonstrates that you on your toes – that your brain is working. One great example is when you are asked to answer true or false to this: “I can count to fifty.” So, as long as you are “awake” and paying attention, you should be scoring perfectly here.

The next batch of questions attempts to profile your “personality type”. In essence, they are quite tricky. Why? Most of the options are seemingly socially acceptable. In the end, you need to indicate that you have an outgoing, friendly outlook in life. Most companies look for extroverts, than introverts. Making your answers consistent is a sure way to high, favorable scores.

Then, the test aims to frame your work habits. Here, your answers should account for your dedication, efficiency, and hard work. Again, they are easy yet tricky. Be cautious. Know the subtext. After your work habits, you have to show off your leaning towards customer service, leadership, and self-management. Finally, you should become more aware of the so-called corporate double-think. Favor answers that would indicate your positive values.

For math questions, rely on your common sense. For verbal questions, experts observe that usually, the longest and the most complicated choice becomes the apparent best answer.

By changing your perspective about the test and by knowing the question types, you are definitely putting the pre-employment personality test in its proper context. Your next attempt to pass it should not be too difficult for you. And when results come, failing should not really make you feel disheartened. Remember, there is always the next one.